Everything you need to know about Google Pixel and Pixel XL

After a seemingly endless array of rumors, leaked images and specs, Google has finally taken the wraps off the new Pixel and Pixel XL. Both devices feature top-of-the-line specs, exclusive software features and many more interesting things you’ll want to check out, so be sure to read on for the full rundown on these new smartphones.

Design

Google Pixel XL

The Pixel and Pixel XL both share the same high-end design and features. The phones are built by HTC, although there’s no trace of HTC’s logo anywhere on them. Differentiated primarily by the size and resolution of their screens — 5-inch 1080p display on the Pixel and 5.5-inch Quad HD panel on the XL — these two devices are built by HTC, but Google takes full credit for their design and makes this explicit with its “phone by Google” branding.

Both the Pixel and Pixel XL sport an aluminum and glass construction. You’ll notice the back panel is made mostly of aluminum, save for the small glass section on the top of the device that surrounds the camera sensor and fingerprint reader.

Both the Pixel and Pixel XL come in three different color options: Very Silver, Quite Black and Really Blue. Blue is limited edition as per we saw in launch.

Google Pixel and Pixel XL

Here are the five main features shown at launch event

#Google Assistant

The Pixels are the first phones to feature Google Assistant built-in. When you touch and hold the home button or say the “hot word,” the Assistant “jumps into action.” In Google’s event demo, the Assistant is used to bring up photos from a particular time or place from the past, and also plays whatever music you ask it to play, choosing your favorite music app by default.

#Photography

The Pixel and Pixel XL rear camera scores an 89 in DxOMark, the highest rating ever. Higher than iPhone 7. Yup, that’s true. It has a 12.3-megapixel resolution with large 1.55-micron pixels and an f/2.0 aperture. Google claims that its new camera has “the shortest capture time on any mobile camera ever.” There’s also very intricate, gyroscope-based video stabilization on board, however there’s no optical image stabilization for stills.

#Unlimited Storage

Google will allow free unlimited storage for full-resolution images and videos shot with the Pixel. That’s much like the standard Google Photos backup ability, but takes off the size limit and compression, even on 4K video shot with the new phone.

#Communications

Pixel users will be getting the latest Android updates directly from Google as soon as they become available. It has fast charging that gets you up to 7 hours of power in 15 minutes of charging. Google has also built in 24-hour live phone support right into the Pixel’s software, so that a tech support operator can see exactly what’s on your screen and thus help you better. Pixel comes with Google Duo pre-installed.

#Virtual Reality

The Pixel is the first Daydream-compatible phone and Google today also announced the $79 Daydream View headset to accommodate the Pixel for VR use. The Daydream View comes bundled with a tiny motion controller that is so precise, claims Google, that you can even draw with it. When you’re done using it, the controller tucks inside the Daydream View itself for safe storage.

Specifications

Category

Google Pixel

Google Pixel XL

Operating System

Android 7.1 with Google UI

Android 7.1 with Google UI

Processor

Qualcomm Snapdragon 821

Qualcomm Snapdragon 821

RAM

4GB

4GB

Display

5-inch AMOLED 1920×1080

5.5-inch AMOLED 2560×1440

Rear Camera

12MP f/2.0
1.55-micron pixels
PDAF

12MP
1.55-micron pixels
PDAF

Front camera

8MP

8MP

Battery

2,770mAh non-removable

3,450mAh non-removable

Charging

Fast charging

Fast charging

Connectivity

USB Type-C, Bluetooth 4.2

USB Type-C, Bluetooth 4.2

Fingerprint sensor

Yes

Yes

Storage

32GB/128GB

32GB/128GB

IP rating

IP53

IP53

Colors

Quite Black, Very Silver, Really Blue

Quite Black, Very Silver, Really Blue

Price

$649

$769

Google Pixel and Pixel XL: Release date and price

Release date 20 October

Pixel has a starting price of £599/$649

Pixel XL has a starting price of £719/$769

The Pixel and Pixel XL will be available from 20 October, with pre-orders starting in the UK, US, Australia, Canada and Germany on the Google Store from 4 October. India will be able to pre-order from 13 October.

What you think of this phone? Are you a Android fan or iOS fan? Let us know in comments. 🙂